16. Cysticercosis: A Cause Of Rising Global Ocular Morbidity In India

Mukesh Kr. Sharma, Kishore P. Govekar, Satish Jeria, Arun kr. Patidar

ABSTRACT

Cysticercosis is a major public health problem in India. Human cysticercosis predominantly affects the central nervous system (CNS) causing neurocysticercosis followed by eye involvement known as ocular cysticercosis. A lot has been done to decrease prevalence of blindness in India since the National Program for Control of Blindness (NPCB) was established in 1976. However, the focus has been on curable causes of blindness like cataract and less attention has been given to preventable causes like glaucoma and parasitic diseases like cysticercosis. Cysticercosis is one of the neglected tropical disease causing blindness and visual impairment in India and other developed and developing countries. At present disease burden of cysticercosis is rising and can be totally eradicated by advocating simple measures. The aim was to screen for cysticercosis cases in the community to prevent blindness and treating them to reduce morbidity and blindness due to cysticercosis so we used a strategic plan starting from PHC with participation of community to screen the cases. The available manpower at PHC is utilised with their training and supply of logistics. It is preventable, if we create proper awareness by health education and by giving proper training to the PHC staff including private practitioners for screening of taeniasis and cysticercosis.

Key-words: Taeniasis, Cysticercosis, Blindness.

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